Renting a Car in Mauritius for South African Travellers: Complete Guide

For South African travellers, Mauritius is a short flight away, English and French are widely understood, and the traffic drives on the left, exactly as at home. That makes a rental car an easy and comfortable choice, whether you are staying a long weekend or a few weeks.

This guide covers what to prepare. Rules can change, so verify any requirement that matters to you with official sources and with us before you travel.

Driving on the left: familiar, but not identical

You will feel at home with the side of the road, the position of the driver’s seat and the direction of roundabouts. Differences you will notice: narrower roads, more roundabouts, more scooters and buses stopping suddenly, and a faster, more assertive driving style in towns. Speed limits and enforcement differ from South Africa, and speed cameras are used, so follow the posted signs. Our driving guide covers the details.

Licence and documents

Bring a valid driving licence, your passport (or valid ID) and the booking reference. A South African licence is printed in English, which helps, but licence recognition and any need for an International Driving Permit depend on current rules, so confirm this with the authorities and with us before you travel. Codexia’s rental conditions set a minimum driver age and a minimum period of holding your licence; see the rental conditions.

• Driving licence valid for the whole rental and held for the required period.
• Passport or valid ID. Check your entry requirements and passport validity well in advance.
• Booking reference and the card or payment details used online.
• Your flight number and arrival time, for airport pickup.

Booking from South Africa

Book online before you fly, especially for school holidays, long weekends and December, when demand is high. English pages show prices in US dollars, and French pages in euros, with the rate locked at the time of booking. Review the total, the deposit and what is included before you pay.

Airport pickup

Choose SSR Airport as your pickup point and enter your flight details. Delivery and collection at the airport are free with Codexia. Have your passport, licence and booking reference to hand in your hand luggage. Our airport pickup guide explains the process in detail.

Choosing the right car

Browse every model on the fleet page and filter by gearbox and passengers when you search. A booster or baby seat can be added at booking for children.

Money and costs

The local currency is the Mauritian rupee, and cards are widely accepted in tourist areas. Fuel is paid by you, and fines and late-return charges are not included in the rental. Think about a small amount of local cash for markets and parking.

Insurance and peace of mind

Comprehensive insurance is included with an excess. If you would like extra protection, add additional insurance when booking. Read the insurance policy so you know what is and is not covered.

Planning your days

With a short stay, pick one or two regions rather than the whole island. Read our travel tips for first-time visitors and the top attractions by car, and consider the 7-day road trip for a longer holiday.

A sample ten-day plan for a family

School holidays and long weekends

South African school holidays and public-holiday weekends are busy for flights and hotels, and cars are no different. Book your vehicle as soon as your flights are confirmed, especially if you need an automatic, a seven-seater or child seats. If your dates are flexible, travelling just outside the peak weeks can make the roads and beaches quieter.